Synthesis of Diarylmethanes through Palladium-Catalyzed Coupling of Benzylic Phosphates with Arylsilanes

An efficient approach to the benzylation of arenes has been developed. The reactions described provide straightforward access to diarylmethanes through Pd-catalyzed coupling of benzylic phosphates with arylsilanes in good to excellent yields. The reaction tolerates a wide range of functionalities such as halide, alkoxyl, and nitro groups.